Native American Reference Library
Indian Herbalogy of North America – This is an illustrated
encyclopedic guide to more than two hundred medicinal plants found in North
America, with descriptions of each plant’s appearance and uses, and directions
for methods of use and dosage.
The Last Wolf – The Last Wolf is far more than a typical animal
story. It is a metaphor that makes a provocative statement about the human
condition. Wakan is a Darwinian up to the end when a justifiable revenge takes
place. After all, the wolf cannot take the invading ranchers to court for their
attacks against him and his family. How humans treat wolves justifies Wakan’s
vengeful course of action, brutal as it may appear. In all this – his devotion
to his mate, children, and parents – Wakan displays human qualities, desperately
trying to survive and help those he loves. His pursuit of survival is novel,
yet, like Hamlet, he is a tragic figure fighting against a predestined fate.
Therein lies our sympathy and pride in this “last wolf’s” heroic and
metaphorical struggle. (Young Adult/Adult)
The Native American Sweat Lodge – The sweat lodge has many
functions. It cleans and heals the body. It heals the mind, bringing clarity. It
is a testing place, offering a rite of passage where a participant can show
endurance, strength and courage. And finally it is a holy place where Native
Americans can renew their connection to the cosmos and God.
A History of the Indians of the United States – This book is an
in-depth historical survey of the Indians of the United States, including the
Eskimos and Aleuts of Alaska. It isolates and analyzes the problems that have
beset these peoples since their first contacts with Europeans. Only in the light
of this knowledge, the author states, can an intelligent Indian policy be
formulated.
Pushing The Bear (A Novel of the
Trail of Tears) – In 1838, thirteen thousand Cherokee forced of their
lands in North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee walked nine hundred
miles through four winter months on what is know as the Trail of Tears. Uprooted
from their homes, betrayed by the government that they had treated with respect,
separated from the land that had nurtured them; the Cherokee struggled to
understand how to make a new life.
Native Peoples of the Northwest – Consider Native Peoples of
the Northwest an invitation (approved by the tribes themselves) to visit the
reservations and ancestral lands of the Northwest Indians. With this guide in
hand, the curious traveler can find out how and where to attend a powwow, buy
authentic traditional art, or celebrate with dance. Native Peoples of the
Northwest lists more than 1,000 things to see and do with Native people from all
54 in Western Montana, Idaho, Northern California, Washington, Oregon, and from
the major tribes in British Columbia and Southeast Alaska.
Southwest Indian Cookbook – Former food editor of the
Albuquerque Journal, and long time friend of the Pueblos and Navajos, Marcia
Keegan has had a rare opportunity to observe their domestic and ceremonial
lives. She has learned much about their traditional beliefs, and has become
adept at authentic Navajo and Pueblo cookery. This book contains striking color
photographs and an informative and beguiling text and recipes on the food and
food lore of these two Indian cultures.
Native Roots – How The Indians Enriched America – Conventional
American history holds that the white settlers of the New World re-created the
societies they had known in England, France, and Spain. But, in fact, Europeans
grafted their civilization onto the deep and nourishing roots of Native American
customs and beliefs. Our place names, our farming and hunting techniques, our
crafts, the very blood that flows in our veins all derive from American Indians
in ways that we consistently fail to see.
Return of the Sun – Native American Tales From the Northeast Woodlands
– These varied tales illustrate both the wealth and humor and the depth of
respect for life and earth that are a part of the indigenous Northeast American
people. These stories are living things with a life and a mind of their own and
great power. They integrate dream with conscious life; this world with the
spirit world; humans with four-legged, plant beings, and talking stones. They
are above all about relations and relationships. (Young Adult/Adult)
Two Old Women – Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed
along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River
area in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale
of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine. Though
these two women have been known to complain more than contribute, they now must
either survive on their own of die trying.
The American Indian Craft Book – Designed for creative
individuals, group leaders, and teachers, this informative and unusual book is a
guide to the crafts of the main North American Indian tribes in the seven basic
cultural areas. Interwoven with the history and customs of the different tribes
are instructions that even the novice can follow in making moccasins, dresses,
shirts, hats, headbands, hoods, fishnets, bowls, baskets, dolls, masks, games,
drums, shields, looms for weaving, and jewelry.
Native Time – A Historical Time Line of Native America – This
is a chronological history of Native America, from 200,000 B.C.E. to the
present. Native Time is a beautifully rendered and comprehensive volume,
containing one hundred photographs, that captures the experiences of Native
Americans. It illuminates the history, literature, art, and philosophy of Native
inhabitants, who have lived on this continent for over two hundred centuries,
casting a desperately needed perspective on the history of this land.
Dolls & Toys of Native America – A Journey Through Childhood –
The world of Native American children was filled with dolls and toys, for play
was an important way of teaching children the skills that would benefit them
throughout their lives. With beautiful, full-color images, a spellbinding text,
and fascinating, historical photographs, Dolls & Toys of Native America takes
you on a journey through Native American childhood-a childhood full of joy and
play, informed by a deep respect for the family as well as the traditional
skills and values that were essential to Native American life.
Brother Eagle, Sister Sky (A message
from Chief Seattle) – Each generations’ newborn deserve the same
chance as their ancestors – to breathe fresh air, to drink pure water, to hear
the songs of nature in the winds, the trees, and resonating from the observing
rocks that vibrate with the heartbeat of the earth itself. In Brother Eagle,
Sister Sky, Chief Seattle’s words have been transformed into an experience
children of all ages and localities can use to stimulate an awareness of a
natural world that is rapidly losing its beauty. This book helps preserve what
is being lost. (Ages 4-8)
The Button Blanket (A Northwest
Coast Indian Art Activity Book) – Story and Activity Book for
children ages 6-10.
Indians of the Northeast Woodlands – This book is an excellent
introduction for anyone interested in learning about American Indian culture of
the past and present.
Arrow to the Sun (A Pueblo Indian
Tale) – With vibrant colors and bold geometric forms, the author
brilliantly captures the stylized look of Pueblo Indian art in this Caldecott
Award-winning retelling of an ancient legend. A young boy searches for his
father; but before he can claim his heritage he must first prove his worthiness
by passing through the four ceremonial chambers: the kiva of lions, the kiva of
snakes, the kiva bees, and the kiva of lighting. (Ages 4-8)
Coyote & Little Turtle: A Traditional Hopi Tale – Little Turtle
outsmarts Coyote and escapes a terrible fate. This engaging story, which is know
and loved by the Hopi, is here retold by one of the most respected Hopi elders
and storytellers. The test is presented in both Hopi and English, and the
charming full-color illustrations are the creation of this storyteller’s
audience of Hopi language and culture.
Cloudwalker (Contemporary Native
American Stories) – Mohawk, Cree, Apache, and other modern-day Native
children are represented in the collection of six stories. The young people come
to appreciate their heritage, often through intergenerational relationships with
parents, grandparents, and older siblings. (Ages 9-12)
The Windigo’s Return (A North Woods
Story) – Something strange is happening in the North Woods, the land
of the Ojibwa. One by one the people are disappearing into the forest without a
trace. One of the village elders blames the Windigo, a terrible giant who can
transform himself into anything he wants, the better to capture his victims. No
one can imagine how to defeat this fearsome creature, until a young girl named
Morning Star comes up with a plan. This suspenseful and humorous tale has an
ending that will surprise and delight readers of all ages. (Ages 4-8)
Frog Girl – When frogs suddenly vanish from a lake behind a
village on the Northwest Coast, a nearby volcano awakens and an Indian girl is
called to a dangerous adventure. Careful attention is paid to historical detail
both in the story and in the vibrant illustrations. Frog Girl follows the rich
mythic traditions of the Haida, Tlingit, and other native peoples of the Pacific
Northwest Coast, whose stories often tell of individuals cast mysteriously into
parallel worlds inhabited by animals in human form. (Ages 4-8)
Circle of Wonder (A Native American
Christmas Story) – This is the story of one lone child’s experience
of a special magic at Christmas. Tolo is a boy whose loneliness and love for his
dead grandfather draw him far from his village on Christmas Eve to a miraculous
fire circle. There he asks the Elk, the Wolf, and the Eagle to share “the real
gift of fire” with him, and he experiences the deep joy of the Holy Season and
awakens to his own inner strength. (Ages 9-12)
Shadow Catcher (The Life and Work of
Edward S. Curtis) – For thirty years, Curtis devoted himself to
compiling The North American Indian, twenty volumes of text and oversized
photogravure plates. This was a largely unprofitable project, and Curtis
sacrificed his family life and his health to make lengthy visits to American
Indian communities throughout the western United States and Canada. Filled with
Curtis’s breathtaking photographs, Shadow Catcher traces Curtis’s life and work
from his boyhood in Wisconsin, through his first photo expedition to Alaska in
1897 and the completion the The North American Indian collection in 1930, to his
death in 1952. (Ages 12-18)
Spirit Walker – The courage, determination, and powerful
spiritual faith of Native American are celebrated in the remarkable collection.
Nancy Wood’s eloquent poems reveal the unique wisdom and vision of a people who
have been her friends and teachers for more than thirty years. Frank Howell’s
magnificent paintings evoke the beauty and vitality of their ancient culture.
Poetry and paintings together create a haunting portrait of a proud and enduring
people whose great love and respect for the earth are valuable examples for us
all.
All Things Are Connected (Video) & This Land Is Sacred
(Teacher’s Guide to Environmental Ethics)
– The video was filmed in the natural world and incorporates footage of plants
and animals in the wild, along with natural sounds and Chief Seattle’s speech.
The program, coupled with the guide, This Land Is Sacred, leads us on an
exploration of the earth, its inhabitants, and their connections. Activities in
the guide introduce the concept of an environmental education into a variety of
curricula. The full text of Ted Perr’s rewrite of Chief Seattle speech is
included.
Keeper’s of the Earth (Native
American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children) – This
environmental classic teaches children respect and stewardship for the Earth and
all living things. Joseph Bruchac’s lyrical retellings set the stage for Michael
Caduto’s abundance of related activities. Connects to social studies, science,
environmental studies and other content areas; uses a holistic approach suitable
for all ages, provides field-tested activities; and includes charts,
illustrations and graphs to enhance the projects and concepts.
Keepers of the Earth (Teacher’s
Guide) – Teachers Guide for Keepers of the Earth – Native American
Stories and Environmental Activities for Chldren.
Keepers of the Earth (Native
American Stories – Audio Book) – A collection of twenty-five Native
American legends read by Joseph Bruchac, the set contains the unabridged stories
from the highly acclaimed book, Keepers of the Earth.
American History for Children (Video) – Irene Bedard, the
recognized voice of Disney’s Pocahontas, narrates this unprecedented American
history series created especially with the interests of young children in mind.
Each program invites children ages 4-10 to learn about America’s history through
the use of large, brightly colored graphics and animations, charming live-action
portrayals of historic figures, and engaging stories told from a child’s point
of view. Sing-along songs with on-screen lyrics and up-beat music also add to
the excitement of these programs.
More Than Bows and Arrows (Video) – Documents the contributions
of Native Americans to the development of the United States and Canada.
Pride and the Power to Win (Video) – This video program
illustrates how a Tohono O’odham community made deep changes in the school
system by turning to their traditional tribal-consensus method of problem
solving.
A History of Native Americans (Video) – A comprehensive look at the
history with insight and commentary from historians and contemporary tribe
members. The dramatic history of Indian-white relations in the United States and
Canada is described in detail.
Native American Heritage – This new edition gives readers a
broad overview of Native American balanced with detailed information into the
daily life of individual tribes. Complete with photographs and illustrations,
this book will give readers a better understanding of the diversity of human
adaptation and flexibility.
Wisdom’s Daughter’s – A unique book of interviews with women
elders of several Native American nations by the co-author and photographer of
the best-selling Wisdom Keepers. The author brings us these elder’s voices and a
unique insight into the culture of American Indian women. Includes more than one
hundred original photographs from their homes and communities.
Native America Portrait of the Peoples – Explore the complex
and often emotional Issues surrounding the indigenous cultures of North America,
and documents the story of American Indians, past and present. Enriched by 200
photographs, maps, charts, and drawings.
A Circle of Nations – An intimate look at the thoughts,
feelings, and realities of present-day Native Americans. The unique collection
of photographs and writings by Native American artists and authors covers
complex issues such as identity, family community, faith, and the continued
existence of the people.
Native Education Directory – Over 400 entries including
information about post-secondary institutions, tribal colleges, federal
government programs and numerous other educational organizations and resources.
American Indian Digest – An easy-to-read single source
paperback for everyone interested in American Indian history. A perfect
companion to both maps containing an historical synopsis; demographic tables and
maps; reproducible study guides, names, addresses, and phone numbers of
reference material sources; and information on how to initiate a genealogy
search for Indian ancestry.
Retained by the People – Written by John R. Wunder, professor
of History and Director of the Center for Great Plans Studies at the University
of Nebraska-Lincloln. The vivid chronicle is the first in-depth, comprehensive
history of the relationship between American Indians and the Bill of Rights,
tracing developments and issues from 1491 to the present. “Retained by the
People” recounts the various brutal forms of colonialism forced upon indigenous
nations by European and American settlers through the beginning of 1900, then
gives a balanced and detailed analysis of twentieth-century events that have
shaped Native American rights under the United State Constitution.
Noble Red Man: Lakota Wisdomkeeper Mathew King – The story
gives the reader the opportunity to share in the richness of Lakota history,
tradition, and beliefs in Mathew’s own words. Mathew King was a respected Elder
of the Lakota (Sioux) nation who offered steadfast commitment to his people and
to the land that was his home. Noble Red Man provides Lakota history and insight
from a great political and spiritual leader of that nation.
The Return of the Native – A book about Indian-White relations
which examines and illuminates, from a sociological perspective, aspects of
Indian-White relations. It is a study of relationships and of the ways in which
relationships shape collective action.
Insight Guide: Native America – A cultural journey, passage of
discovery into American Indian history, cultures and communities. Project Editor
John Gattuso put together a team of writers and photographers from every corner
of the U.S. They include journalist, poets, scholars, lawyers and tribal
officials. Many are Native Americans, bringing readers a rare inside view of
their people and cultures. All have a deep commitment to Native American life.
Sacred Clowns (Book and Audiocassette) – A fiction story based
on Navajo lore and traditions.
Dawn Land – This novel takes place in the period not long after
the most recent glaciations, thousands of years before the first recorded
arrival of the Europeans on these shores. The author deftly blends historical
facts and native myths to create a story that is as powerful as any ever told
because it comes from the heart of the people whose history goes back to a time
before memory.
Long River – Long River is the exciting sequel to Bruchac’s
acclaimed first novel, Dawn Land. In the rich and authentic tradition of his
Abenaki ancestors, Bruchac continues his story of Young Hunter, the finest
warrior in the village of the only people who lived in the Northeast ten
thousand years ago.
Earth Song, Sky Spirit – Short stories of the contemporary
North American experience. Editor Clifford Trafzer presents a mix of beloved and
rarely seen stories by premier Native American writers, including Momaday’s “The
Well” – which appears here for the first time in book form. It also features the
best works of two dozen lesser-known storytellers from a wide range of tribes
and cultural backgrounds, which demonstrates the vibrance and diversity of
Native American writing now and for years to come.
Reference Encyclopedia of the American Indian – An depth list
of important registers of reservations, tribal councils, national, state, and
local organizations, and many other points of interest relative to the American
Indian.
The Indians’ Book – Songs and Legends of the American Indians –
A book created wholly by the American Indian – songs, myths, drawings and
decorations, based on traditional designs. The Indians’ Book is a treasury of
lore for general readers, for teachers, for folk singers. Its musical and folk
material derives directly from the Indian oral tradition.
A Sorrow In Our Heart – The Life of Tecumseh – a fiery orator,
a brilliant diplomat, a revolutionary thinker, a political and military genius,
the man named Tecumseh became a legend among Indians and whites. He was a
messiah to the Native American peoples during one of the most crucial periods of
their history, as the whites began to explore and expand to the west of the
British colonies.
How to Teach About American Indians – This guide will enable
teachers to instruct and students to learn about American Indian people,
history, culture, and contemporary issues in ways that are authentic, accurate,
and appropriate.
Pocahontas – Here at last is the true story, told by Susan
Donnell, a direct descendent of Pocahontas…a compelling saga of one indomitable
woman whose love and spirit bridged the Old World and the New-and captured the
hearts of a nation!
The Red Heart – An epic novel based on the well-known true-life
story of Frances Slocum, this historical tale is a colorful adventure, tempered
with the beauty of the Native American way of life, rich in details of the
Indian culture.
The Rights of Indians and Tribes – This informative guide
thoroughly discusses the powers of Indian tribes; civil and criminal
jurisdiction on Indian reservations; Indian hunting, fishing, and water rights;
taxation; the Indian Civil Rights Act; the Indian Child Welfare Act, and tribal
jurisdiction over non-Indians.
Wilderness Empire – The gripping narrative of the
eighteenth-century struggle of two powers to win for themselves the allegiance
of the Indians in a war for territorial dominance, yet without letting these
Indians know that the prize of the war would be this very Iroquois land.
Native Americans in Early Photographs – This remarkable book
celebrates the triumph of Native Americans who clung tenaciously to rituals,
customs, and a sense of honor, in spite of all the changes they were forced to
endure with the arrival of the white settlers; and the triumph of those
photographers who recognized this tenacity and integrity and went to great
lengths to preserve it on film.
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